Parallels

Chapter 18

Within the silent walls of the safe house, Isaac frowned. The safe house, if one could even call it such anymore, was originally built as a fall-back shelter from the early attacks from Prox several years ago. The walls were crafted by numerous Venusians, each with a talent for creating projects that were long lasting. Sadly, once the bland grey walls were completed, the creators found themselves...in a bind. There was a way to disable the shelter, and no fool would risk such a weakness to be revealed when vulnerable..

Glancing at the walls now, he sighed. The grey walls had suffered from a years worth of rain, as Saturos himself had managed to punch a hole directly over the room. Rain had accumulated over the span of weeks, months, and was finally ended by a team of Mercurians, who would eventually use that water to assist a new team of Venusians at the task of creating a mold for the hole. Though they mended the hole, they were unable to fix the numerous cracks and dark blotches on the walls, and noone knew what the dark mossy greens were that grew on the four walls. Isaac considered slaying the Venusians for not being able to fix such a problem, but thought the better of it. It was so hard to find skilled Venusians by that point, and they were so useful in the Mines.

Turning his attention away from the now-verdent walls, he stared at Ivan. Had Isaac not been able to enlist Ivan and his Anemian sister, the Regime would have ended with such a quick and nasty end. Isaac was tempted at every turn to use the powers he attained from Alex on the blonde mage, but thought against it every time he considered it.

Ivan was his friend. Perhapse his only true friend anymore, excluding his servant, Jenna. True, Jenna was both a servant and soon-to-be mother of his heirs, but Ivan was more of a true friend than anyone else Isaac had ever encountered. No matter what happened, he could always rely on Ivan to solve a problem when he was incapable of dealing with it, and rarely had to check his friend's aura to know what he was planning. In fact, it had been years since Isaac had even used his odd gift on the man that saved his life, respecting his privacy.

No matter what he might say about anyone else, Isaac respected and trusted Ivan too much to invade on his personal privacy.

"Something on your mind, Isaac?"

Breaking from his wandering thoughts, Isaac glanced at his colliegue, wondering what was on HIS mind. Deciding to not inquire, Isaac looked at him more closely, and was almost positive that his friend was unusually tired or worried about something. Odd, that.

"Just thinking about the room, about what we need to do with Garet. About the time you got in the way of Babi's blade before it hit me in the stomach."

Ivan chuckled, and though Isaac immediately dismissed it, he was almost certain that Ivan's laugh was less cheerful than usual. "Hmm, that was a fun time. Glad we had Mia with us then."

Isaac frowned. After the Imilian beauty convinced Felix to fight against Isaac, not many meantioned her name, unless they were discussing tactics or assasinations. Now that he thought of it, Isaac could not remember Ivan ever saying her name after the Regime was founded. He felt that he would need to ask, but he dismissed it.

Isaac froze, though he made sure he didn't alert Ivan to his suspicions. First, Ivan looked tired, and he seemed depressed, and now he meantioned Mia's name quite casually. Isaac knew that some information was being leaked out of his Regime, but certainly it wasn't Ivan! Ivan was a true friend, loyal to the end! Not like Garet, who only follows orders when he's told to. Maybe Ivan was simply lonely, having no girl to occupy his free time.

"Ivan, is something wrong?"

His friend turned to him, almost as if he was looking for something. No, it was his imagination again. He hoped.

"I've been trying to train the girl we caught at the ruins of Vale, and...she's quite difficult to understand."

Isaac stared at the green moss on the wall, trying to grasp what his friend was telling him. Sadly, he didn't think Ivan was sharing the whole story. "Difficult in what way?"

"Namely, she has had no prior training, and yet she seems to have caught up with my abilities faster than anyone else I have seen, even my own sister!"

Isaac frowned, noting a small insect crawling around the mildew on another part of the wall. "Any idea what we should do with her?"

"I considered having her slain, as she might even surpae me, but then I began to think. If I was able to train her correctly, we might be able to have a second Jupitarian with powers that are equal or better than Hammas, one that we can control."

Isaac chuckled at that notion. Hamma, as powerful as she may be, was quite random and unpredictable at times. One minute, she would be seducing someone, then sucking the very thoughts out of their heads. While this was not nearly as disturbing as some reports that Isaac had recieved on the duplicate of Felix running around, the fact that she took almost orgasmic-like pleasure from drinking the minds of her victims was quite worrysome. This fact was possibly the biggest drawback to keeping Hamma under control - she went through about twelve minds a week, and keeping her supplied with her pleasures was becoming increasingly difficult to do.

Assuming they could train this other Hamma, they would have no need for Ivan's sister, and would have to slay her. Should she be allowed to live, she would target anyone who might provide her with the mental abilities she needed, even her own leader or brother.

Sighing again as he leaned back in his seat, Isaac felt his mind drawn back to why he started this whole mess. After the bandits of Babi attacked Vale, Isaac had traveled the world to avenge his family's death. Along the way, he witnessed chaos, insanity, and disorder amongst the other cities, how petty problems and lack of thought could cause such problems. And then there was the lazyness of those in power. Worst of all, though, was that noone was willing to try to stop the bandits for fear of themselves. Never mind that others might perish, but for them to perish, oh the horror! Sarcasm was his respose everytime he witnessed the mindlessness of the world, and after slaying Babi, he had decided to create a world where he could regulate the insanity, the anarchy, the lazy. But before he could do anything, Alex tried to kill him. Why she wished to do so, he did not realize at first, but soon after he severed one of her arms, he saw her intentions all too well. Dark was her heart, evil were her intentions. Isaac had considered slaying her on the spot, but quickly considered against it. Should anyone else have discovered that he had slain her, trouble would arise, and he would never gain any allies.

So he had sealed her within his room, punishing and torturing her for her continually dark heart. For a year she withstood his attacks, and he almost considered offering her freedom if she sided with him. However, things changed. The psychic network was established, and Felix was asking questions as to some of the noises he heard at night. Deciding to not risk trouble, Isaac sent Alex down to Psyn Mine 001, hopeful that she would survive. If nothing else, her suffering would fix her evil deeds, he had decided. And oh, how right he wish he was! Unbeknownst to the workers, Isaac himself had visited once, and noticed that she still had the evil within her, festering like a volcano preparing to explode!

After a time, he eventually let most die off within that shaft, as other mines had been opened. He noted that Alex, for reasons beyond him, had survived, and was all-too willing to keep living. Deciding that she would eventually prove useful, he sent down a small batch of supplies to keep her barely alive. He quickly realized that he might be sending too much, but decided against fixing the error - Felix the Traitor had been captured. Instead of a public death that might convince Prox to side with the Resistance, he sent him quietly down to the mines, hopeful that Alex would either kill him or fall for him. Should she kill him, Isaac would win. Should Alex fall in love and make Felix love her, and provided that Mia found out in some fashion, Isaac would still win.

It was a win-win situation, and Isaac loved it.

Or rather, had loved it. Over the course of a year, he quickly realized that the regime was having difficulties. Prox had conqured massive ammounts of land during the formation of the Regime, and the Resistance always managed to gain some kind of ally to make more trouble for Isaac. Had Garet not been so careless and let Ivan scan her mind instead of trusting Felix to keep her under control, the Resistance would have been vanquished long by now, and there would not be a need to fight them.

Speaking of Garet, the stone slab on the far wall's ceiling slid aside, and a giant figure climed down the stone ladder. His clothes were rather rumpled and pitted with dust, or blood - with Garet, either was possible. He made his way over to a small stone block across from Isaac, and stared at his "Master."

Glancing out of the corner of his eyes, Isaac saw Ivan break out of whatever train of thought he had, focusing on the idiotic security head before them. Isaac noted that, despite his friends efforts to hide his mixed feelings, he noted that something was still on his mind. Maybe, instead of training her to be his equal he should just wed the girl and train his children instead.

Returning his gaze to Garet, Isaac found it all to easy to bring his attention full to bear on the problematic pyromaniac. "Garet, do you know why we are having this meeting?"

The muscular Martian stared at him, gave Ivan a glare, then returned a calm stare at the "Master." "I think we are discussing Saturos's lastest efforts?"

Isaac decided to go with that notion, deciding to spring the "suprise" on the oaf when he wouldn't expect it. "Very good. As you both know, Saturos had somehow obtained a few Proxian airships, and had intended to suicide attack our cannons, had we not destroyed his fleet."

Pausing to see if anyone wished to comment, he pressed on. "I have theorized that Saturos is not only growing impatient at his failed efforts to slay us, but so has his supporters within Prox. They know that his constant raids are draining their army, and the use of their airships only points to the fact that they are weary of sending their warriors to a certain death. Any thoughts on this?"

Garet straitened up, trying to look intelligent. Or rather, TRYING to, anyway. "If that's true, then we simply need to wait out his attacks, don't we?"

Isaac had to restrain himself from commenting on that thought. It was a simple solution, but not one that was very strategic or profitable. Turning to Ivan, he noted the mage had an idea he wished to convey.

"If they are growing weary of the war, why not give them a chunk of land as a peace offering? Giving them territory while they are deciding whether to continue supporting or not would certainly aid in the peace offerings. And if that fails, we could always give them Garet."

Tuning out Garet's now-standard insult fight with Ivan, Isaac smiled inwardly. Ivan had just insulted Garet, and seemed to be back to normal. Odd, that was. Maybe he really does need to mate with that girl.

Clearing his throat, Isaac stared at Garet, who's face matched his hair color. "What terrirtory do you suggest we surrender, Garet?"

"We could give them the southern ice lands. We never really use them, and they are rather difficult to defend, given the lack of placing warporters there."

Ivan took in a deep breath, and Isaac watched Garet stare daggers at the Jupitarian. If Isaac didn't know better, Garet was preparing for an insult.

"Why not instead give them Imilia? We are constantly having to defend that land from both Prox and the Resistance, and ceeding it to Prox would serve to keep the rogues in line. After all, they have tried to reclaim Imil for a massive moral boost, and giving it to Prox would slam their moral, as well as hurt their wishes for peace. After all, Mia would certainly want her lands back."

Nodding, Isaac turned again towards Garet. "Then that is the approach we will use. And before you gripe at Ivan again, Garet, would you please explain why one of our medical workers overdosed again?"

Garet's red face suddenly paled to a ghastly white, and Isaac knew he had hit the towering monster hard. Deciding to not let Garet waste their time, he pressed on, "And why is it that several of Ivan's workers were found bashed and beaten?" A brief pause. "Garet, if I catch wind of another incident, you'll force me to let Saturos have your hide, and I think we both know who would win THAT battle."

Garet tried to regain his composure, but Isaac knew he had managed to get his message across. Saturos was known to have been bested by only a few individuals, namely Isaac, Agatio, Felix, Karst, and Menardi, his late mate. Garet, when they first visited Prox, had gotten into a fight with the warrior, and made short work of the smaller adept. Garet had been furious of that incided for years, and it was not until years later that he attempted revenge, only to anger the Proxian more. Not to meantion Isaac.

"Garet, you may go now. Ivan and I need to disucss a few things." Watching as the anger rose again in Garet's face, Isaac smiled inwardly. By thinking that Isaac was keeping him out of important meetings, Garet would assume that he was finally being demoted, and would try his best to regain his former status.

Not that Isaac cared. Garet would do anything to keep himself alive, as well as trying to ensure that he reclaimed his former political power. Which, as far as Isaac cared, would be in a few years or so. But better to not let Garet know that, as he would try something that would be damaging to everyone.

Watching Garet slide the slab over the hole again, Isaac noted that Ivan was again depressed. Maybe he needed to personally arrange his marrage...

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Dismissing the light breeze as a by-product of the psynergy crystals within the mines, Isaac lay on the cot he had selected, two cots away from Felix and Alex. Though it had taken him some time to adjust, Isaac had grown accustomed to the dim light of the mines around "night" time. Though there was only enough light to see any objects in the chamber, Isaac closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wonder in the darkness.

After his chat with Hamma a few days ago, he had slowly began to question what was transpiring, as well as what a few people told him. For one, how the heck could Hamma read his mind, and from that far away? Isaac assumed that this world's Ivan was training her, but there was no way she could be THIS skilled. Not even her father was that strong. Or maybe he was, but didn't show it to the villagers.

Gee, isn't that a nice thought.

Then there was the issue of her being able to read his mind in the first place. Ivan had specifically said that he had not been able to read his mind, and yet Hamma had somehow done so? Why could she do it and not him? Was she THAT powerful? Or was he lying? Given the notion that he was assisting them with the resistance, it was possible.

And then they had read each others minds (how, he did not know) and he learned that she loved him. And for some bizzare reason, he hinted that he loved her. And stranger still, he had meant it as well. How was that possible? He was planning on proposing to Mia!

Speaking of which, would she still want him when he returned? He wanted to say yes, but something nagged at the back of his mind. Ivan meantioned that he was unable to penetrate his wards, as there were more than even the so-called "Master." If that was the case, how was Isaac able to have those wards anyway? The only ones he ever managed to get were just enough to keep Sheba and Ivan from his world out of his head. Unless... no, it couldn't be. It was his imagination. But, the way Hamma has been acting...

Had he fused with the Isaac from Hamma's world? No, that couldn't be! Physical objects couldn't simply fuse together without problems! But then if it DID happen, it wouldn't be physical, but... No... His mind. His mind must have fused with her Isaac, and his body was...

Isaac opened his eyes, realizing what probably happened - Kraden's soup of goo send Isaac's MIND into another realm, where he fused with their Isaac, who was in the same area! But that would mean that his body... Was lifeless? No... Mia would think he was dead!

So why do I not feel dragged down by that thought, Isaac pondered. It made sense for him to be distraught, that the woman he wanted to marry would think him dead. And yet, he was not upset or angry. Was it because of his feelings for Hamma? Or was it that his brain had turned to goo?

Probably the latter, given the shocks he'd been through.

Glancing towards the other two ocupants, Isaac noted another oddity - Alex was sitting up, facing Felix. Instinct wanted Isaac to bold up and ask what was wrong, but he decided that it would be best to not alarm Alex, lest he somehow anger her. She hadn't hit hom for the last two days, but Isaac didn't feel like taking chances with her.

Silencing his thoughts, Isaac found that Alex was not only staring at Felix, but WHISPERING. What?

"I don't know if you will ever feel the same for me that I do for you, Felix, but I hope you will one day. I understand if you still love Mia, and I will not stop you from joining with her after we escape from this infernal hell. But I do ask that you take good care of her, please. Even if you do not share my feelings, I hope you will care for her, make her happy."

Blinking, Isaac fought light-headedness. Alex loved Felix? Why not? Nothing else on this journey was normal.

Watching Alex, Isaac studied her as she layed on her cot. For several very good reasons (one being passing out), Isaac had not taken the time to notice that Alex was, oddly enough, somewhat attractive. Odd, that. As he observed her settling in, he noticed her two blue eyes staring directly at him, anger and shock and fear in her gaze. For a time, neither of them moved, until Isaac decided to take a gamble:

He nodded his head.

What he hoped to convey through THAT, he had no idea. But Alex seemed to be relaxed by his action, and rolled over to face Felix as she slept. Taking the hint, Isaac rolled over, closing his eyes as he tried to fall asleep.

After six minutes, Isaac decided on a sure fire way to get him to sleep:

Alex loves FELIX?

Darkness fell over the blonde adept of another world...

Well, not quite the cliffie I wanted to do, but I figured that it would be best to save it for next time... I suppose a LOT of things have been answered with this chapter, and many more questions are raised. Also, I hope this chap conveyed the notion that the "Evil" Isaac actually had good intentions, but like all good intentions, they paved a road to hell...

NOTE TO READERS OF CHAOS THEORY: Due to my lack of time and the desire to complete this story (and a writer's block the size of Jupiter), I am delaying the work temporarily. I sincerely doubt that the idea will die, given that I made an Appendex with a history of Weyard that I created. I might end up posting this Appendex, should enough reviewers request it here, along with the reviews for this chapter.

And now, to the comments, because you don't really care what I have to say about my own fics. Come to think of it, noone ever really listens to me except in the fic and comments. Oh well. Life stinks. Boo hoo.

Sheba - Oh sheez. Just comment, you baby.

Goo goo. Were we wo.

The 8BTFreek - Felix and Mia siblings? Dunno where you got that notion, though in truth, I almost had Freaky Felix's dad be Picard, as I had originally planned to have the AU1 Picard to have an affair with AU1 Dora, hence F. Felix's blue hair. At any rate. I assume you have finished your finals by now... And I will review your fics when I have time. Translation - probably a month from now... U.u Thanks for the review!

wildcats1310 - It's called my Outlook system was acting up and not sending out mail for a day, and I was too busy to try again afterwards. Life is crappy that way. I assume you are done with finals now, and thankies for the review! And was it really cute the way I did that?

TemplarofNi - Oh? Second Chances and Parallels, hmm? And what of those two fics do you like especially? Thanks for the review!

Dark Ice Dragon - O.o I missed you? Drat. Maybe I missed the update file in Outlook. Or maybe that was when the Outlook goofed. Either way, I'm sorry. Got to you this time, though! And as for what makes him calm and what doesn't, more on THAT soon...Thanks!

Forgotten Souls (Lazy is VERY acurate here...) - You forgot Mia's face? Yikes. You a dead man... I guess that by now, everyone has finished finals. I guess that is a good thing. And why did you say you ate a pizza that fast to me? Remember, I'm allergic to wheat and milk here. That's very, VERY mean. Grr... On a side note, I just replayed GS2 a wee bit, and watched as Jenna became a brilliant shade of red...XD Thanks!

Pyro1588 - Looooooooooooong story on the meds, and here's the worst part - the med DID cause a depression, and I had assumed that it caused a migraine I had the other day. Then I (very quickly) realized it wasn't the med, but Viewtiful Joe. Now THAT was painful, in more ways than one... Alas... But noone cares about me, so on to the reivew. THIS reality will end when they travel to another reality, which I am currently tuning (getting to travel to the next reality, not the next reality, which I cannot comment on). Suffice it to say that it will end in about five chapters or so... Thanks!

(Three astriks, they don't show up on FF.net posts anymore) - You really need an alias, as I've seen others use your "name," and they are usually bad news revewers... Dunno where THAT subject came from. Thanks for the praise! And WHY do people have to meantion PIZZA around me!!! GAH! I'm alergic to wheat and milk!!! goes to cry, a muffled sound can be heard Thanks!

Mare Serenitatis - O.o Where did YOU come from??? I thought you left!!! Nice to see you back, but DANG! Where WERE you? My confusion aside, THANKS for the sheer number of reivews, which would take WAY too long to comment on here... =D Thanks!

Kyarorain - Feihzi. XD Seriously, that's the original idea, thought whether or not I use it is unknown. Expect Regime Hamma to appear next time, as she plays a big part later... Thanks!

Meridian Alexandria (AKA Smurf Cat) - First off, I think I talked to you on those reviews (the first two). Second, I'm not crazy on your change of names, but that's more of a psychological issue I have. It just doesn't make sense to me why anyone would change a name to begin with. But then, that's me. Oh well. Ooh, coca cola! runs off to drink Thanks!

Well, that's a wrap! I hope. Watch me get more reviews for 17 after this post... Oh well.

Two quick things before we close...

Sheba - What of the disclaimer.

... Three things before we close.

1) Please, please, PLEASE do NOT meantion pizza, fried okra, or any dairy product in your reviews. I am VERY sensitive to this, as I used to love those things before the allergy was found. Yes, I have food allergies - wheat and milk. Life sucks. Oh well.

2) Please let me know if you wish for me to go ahead and post the Chaos Theory Appendex, as it will be a while before I get time to update it normally.

3) I DO NOT OWN GOLDEN SUN, BUT I DO OWN A COPY OF VIEWTIFUL JOE THAT WILL SOON BE SOLD DUE TO IT CAUSING ME TO HAVE MIGRAINES... ALAS...

4) REVIEW!

Sheba - You said three things.

I'm the author, darn it. I'm allowed to change things.

Sheba - Don't remind me...